Mo Ibrahim raises dust over Zambia polls, cautions Hichilema against stifling democracy

He argued that elections alone ddi not define democracy, arguing that the post-election period was equally critical in determining whether a country respects the rule of law.

“We are watching post presidential election developments in Zambia with deep concern. Elections are of course a key test of democracy. But the test extends beyond what happens at the ballot box,” Ibrahim said.

He cited specific alarming developments which he said should have no place in a democracy such as arrests of political opponents, political violence, and interference with the judiciary.

“The arbitrary arrest of opposition members; the killing of a former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya and the suspension of vote counting: these should never happen in a true democracy,” he stated.

Ibrahim warned that closing the courts only adds to the mess and risks eroding Zambia’s reputation as a model for peaceful transfers of power in Africa.

He said the recent decision to close Zambia’s top courts, including the Constitutional Court, only added to the mess especially that Zambia has a proud legacy of competitive elections, peaceful transfers of power and respect for constitutional processes.

Ibrahim reminded President Hichilema that Zambia’s legacy was built over decades and showcased internationally, but stressed that legacies were not automatic.

“It has been showcased as a model to follow. Mr President: Your own legacy could be just as strong. But no legacy can be taken for granted. It must be protected and strengthened from one mandate to the next,” he said.

Ibrahim echoed growing concern from the Commonwealth, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Amnesty International, the Law Association of Zambia, and opposition leader Brian Mundubile, who has called for an election petition to be heard despite the court closures.

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